Monday, April 22, 2013

No Respect: Writing Romance

I don't mean to complain, but the problem with writing romance is there's no respect. It's one of the most sneered at genres out there, and yet it sell more than any other genre. 50 % of book sales are for romance books. 

I've been sneered at by family. From one of my BIL's who just heard that I had published a book, "Oh, it's probably one of those books with all the sex in it."

And an older SIL said, "My sister published a book too, but it wasn't like that... a romance. It's was a non-fiction, because she's a professional."

 On a critique group, that had a promo day, a member tore apart my published book with this comment: "This is why I hate romance."

 The only thing you can do is shake your head and move on.

8 comments:

Sono una Sognatrice said...

It’s an easy movement – to shake your head and move on – but it can be rough anyway! I really admire those who can, and I’m practicing it myself.

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Sono,

I cringe when they say those things, but I try to lift my chin and carry on.

Janice~

Tina Donahue said...

What you said is so true, Janice. And very few readers understand how hard it is to get emotions down on the page. And don't get me started about how hard deep POV is.

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Tina,

Thank you.

Deep POV and emotions are hard, but they're the driving force of romance. It's something I struggle with myself.

Janice~

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Janice! I just can't stand the comment "she writes porn." Uh no. So at every talk I give, I educate the audience on how romance involves two plots. They really had no idea. Great!

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Vicki,

Good for you in educating people.

Janice~

Lee said...

As you say...romance sells...and why people should be ashamed to admit that they read - and enjoy - it, beats me. They readily admit they read crime novels....

Ignore the detractors...they are only displaying their envy.

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Lee,

Thank you for saying so. A lot of people read romance or there wouldn't be so many sales in that genre.

Janice~